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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
testing for herpes
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
testing for herpes
by Joe, Dec 26, 2000 12:00AM
dear sir,
i have blisters that are growing from the side of my lips. I went to get tested for herpes 1 and 2 and the results came out negative. I went to see a dermatologist and he told me that event though the tests are negative, that its a great possibility that I have herpes. Is that possible? thank you
i have blisters that are growing from the side of my lips. I went to get tested for herpes 1 and 2 and the results came out negative. I went to see a dermatologist and he told me that event though the tests are negative, that its a great possibility that I have herpes. Is that possible? thank you
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 27, 2000 12:00AM
, Dec 27, 2000 12:00AM
Joe:
A negative blood test for herpes does indeed rule out the condition pretty reliably. A negative culture doesn't tell you much--perhaps the blisters were too dry to show any live virus. Assuming your blisters are intermittent, you need to have a doc see 'em when they're fresh, so a culture can be reliable. There are lots of other unimportant, blistery conditions which aren't herpes.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
A negative blood test for herpes does indeed rule out the condition pretty reliably. A negative culture doesn't tell you much--perhaps the blisters were too dry to show any live virus. Assuming your blisters are intermittent, you need to have a doc see 'em when they're fresh, so a culture can be reliable. There are lots of other unimportant, blistery conditions which aren't herpes.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
